What a sparkling source! Another fantastic run at Hartford and a super charged tour. Jerry was so pumped and stoked! Keep these coming
Better than i remember this one!!

great high energy show, highlights are west l.a. and UJB

For the late 80s this is a 5 star show. Energy through the roof. Performance level very high though a little sloppier compared to the prior night, nothing bad though, just a bit off the rails from time to time. Easily my favorite Touch out of far too many versions I saw, just to name one surprising highlight of many. The Dew is a legit beast and the audience reaction to UJB out of space is priceless.
This fileset is a massive improvement over all circulating versions and rates among the best sounding of the year. User "flashback" is right this is a great sounding matrix but just to be clear it is a live matrix master made at the SBD, not an after the fact combo of SBD and AUD source as is now common practice. I think this mix was actually made by Dr. Don Pearson of Ultrasound and not Healy, though the tape was probably leaked later by Dan. You can hear an example of a known Pearson matrix by checking out 3/22/87 Hampton and compare that to this one, the sound is quite similar.
Given that performance wise this is a top show of the year, and with this fresh transfer it is now an absolute buttery pleasure to listen to, if you like this era at all this one should be high on your list.

Well folks, continuing to work my way through 1987 territory. Spring 1987 is a strong tour. Jerry and the band were on a real comeback high, and this was the first chance east coast fans
had to see the band since the summer of 1986. So they were psyched to the max.
There are many good shows in this March-April run. 3/29 has always been a favorite because of the high energy 2nd set and the rare GDTRFB. I will likely end up picking another Spring 87 show before I'm done.
This show however,was new to me and has absolutely blown my mind. You won't find another
1980's era show with more energy - from both the
band and the crowd - than this one.
Normally the source isn't a big issue for me in terms of which SBD is better. Here it is. As far as older AUD sources go, I still like the Braverman. Both of the newer Miller SBD's are, unfortunately disappointing. Sorry Charlie. He did the best he could.
But this new Matrix in 24 bit is, well proof that God exists. This show is the perfect example
of why a Matrix can be better than a SBD. Take a
not very good SBD, and a great AUD tape - and
you have a marriage made in heaven. Great feel
and sound of the crowd, who are overjoyed to see
Garcia alive and playing again. From their mind
to yours, they're right in the mix perfectly.
And what punch this Matrix has! What bass! And at 24 bit!! It's a slam dunk over the other sources. I hope you can find a Real way to get these files as VBR-MP3's. Burned to a CD, they play just like any MP3, even though you're getting the benefit of 24 bit source sound quality(sort of).
Now to the show. Alabama is in your face immediately with a blast, and the crowd is ecstatic. Already you know that this is gonna
be a high energy show. They don't let up. Normally I'm a picky set list guy. This set list,
frankly isn't that special. But they play every
song with such intensity and sparkle-the mundane show becomes pure magic.
B.E. Women is up tempo and the crowd cheers at the "old man's gettin on" line. Did I mention
that even Rooster is good here, Bobby is behaved.
Tenn Jed really is the moment. An old song that
lets the crowd know things are okay and Jerry
is back, a reassuring message. The Dead have the
crowd in the palm of their hand from this song
onward. Listen to them sing along! Jerry shows
he has regained his Twang skills. Phil sneaks in a few bombs. Then Music - wow! Jerry really soars in the middle section. As good as any 1977 version. The drummers really pound it to the finish line. Jerry is ablaze with sound. All in all a very strong 1st set with no complaints or weak songs.
But wait - better things ahead.
I agree with many other reviewers of this show.
This Touch - has to be the most vibrant and
energetic I've heard yet. I would be hard pressed
to think of another one that can top this. Of course the context, Jerry's return to the east coast, also plays a large part in the symbiotic
wave between the band and the crowd here. We will
survive indeed. Jerry was reportedly pumping his
fist in the air. I have no doubts. A very emotional start to a very intense 2nd set.
Samson continues the relay of momentum,with Brent up in the mix and plenty of Phil. At the risk of repeating myself - this Matrix sounds incredible! Then a big surprise - Cumberland !
Okay so maybe this set list isn't so ordinary.
They played Cumberland 12 times in 1987, but only 3 times in the Spring. Another sign Jerry is in a fine mood. He and Brent weave twisting bluegrass
spirals of notes around each other. Smoking version !! Runs like a Swiss watch. On drugs.
The wah pedal and the crowd instantly knows what's coming - a thick, chunky funky Estimated
with plenty of mind candy sprinkled on top. Phil lays down a deep ocean wave of groove, occasionally coming up to dance on the surface.
Garcia's solo is loose, full of exuberance and
funk, drifting off into sonic daydreams. Nice jazzy keyboard from Brent as well.
Eyes begins at a lively pace. Great version, great vocals (if croaky). Space features some
nice modal explorations from Jerry with a little delay thrown in. Almost reminds me of the "Blues From the Rain Forest" CD with Merle. Then a short "Crazy Fingers" tease emerges, then turns into a post Drums surprise - Uncle John's Band. The crowd roars its approval.
The ending jam has some of the early 70's feel
and spirit. Which could only be topped by -
a Morning Dew. An epic Morning Dew that stands
as one of Jerry's major comeback statements of
1987. Again, what majesty this Matrix has.
What drums! What bass! What No Face!
Jerry suddenly is able to sing like it's 1972.
Amazing! Brent is bring down Buddha gospel choirs from the astral plane with his B-3, creating a
multi-layered wall of sound and color. Then back
down to the quiet moments and a poignant vocal
from Jerry supported by clapping from the crowd.
Normally this would spoil it for me, but not here. Then the kitchen sink for the finish. Phil bombs, rippling churning organ, balls of lightning from Jerry. Wow.
Okay, so not the trippiest show of the 1980's. But for sheer musicianship and energy this one deserves a place among my top ten.
Get whatever version you can of this show.
Outstanding effort from the boys tonight.
A great show to take on the road.
Enjoy !
Dr. Flashback :-)
2/14/12 - I tried to fix the weird margins on the text, but I can't. Sorry for the long scroll.